A Beginner’s Guide to Smoking Cigars

Selection

As with wines, you’ll need to try a variety of cigars to home in on your taste. And your budget.

Cutting

The most common type of cutter is the double-blade guillotine, which you can find at any cigar shop. Cut about a quarter of an inch below the head of the cigar. Jrcigars.com suggests this easy method: Lay the cutter flat on the table, stand the cigar straight up in it, and cut.

Lighting

Always use wooden matches or a butane lighter. Roll the cigar while puffing, and once you feel it’s properly lit, blow on it to evenly distribute the burn.